What the American Express Uber Card does

The American Express Uber Card is a co-branded credit card issued by American Express in partnership with Uber. It gives you cash back on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, plus additional rewards on other purchases. The card is designed for people who use Uber services regularly and want to earn rewards on those trips.

The card itself is free — there is no annual fee. You earn cash back at different rates depending on what you spend on: higher cash back on Uber and Uber Eats, lower cash back on other purchases. The rewards post to your account as statement credits or can be transferred to other programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Express Uber Card has no annual fee and earns cash back on Uber rides, Uber Eats orders, and other purchases at different rates.
  • You need to be approved for the card through American Express, which involves a credit check and review of your credit history.
  • Cash back rewards are not automatic — you must use the card for Uber and Uber Eats purchases to earn them, and the rates vary by card tier.
  • The card works like any other American Express card: you receive a monthly bill and must pay it by the due date to avoid interest charges.
  • Rewards and benefits can change, so you should review the card's terms on American Express's website before opening an account.

Cash back rates and how rewards work

The card earns cash back at 4% on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, 1% on American Airlines purchases (if you have the airline version), and 1% on all other purchases. These rates apply when you use the card for those specific merchants. If you use a different payment method, you earn no rewards.

Cash back accumulates in your account and appears as a statement credit. You can use it to pay down your balance, or in some cases transfer it to other rewards programs. The exact options depend on your American Express account settings. There is no cap on how much cash back you can earn, but rewards only post when the transaction settles with American Express.

How to open an account and what American Express will ask for

You open an account by applying on the American Express website or through the Uber app. American Express will ask for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information. They will run a credit check to decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer.

Approval is not may provide. American Express reviews your credit history, income, and existing debt. If you have poor credit or a short credit history, you may be denied. If you are approved, you will receive the card in the mail within one to two weeks. You can then link it to your Uber account to start earning rewards on rides and food orders.

What happens if you carry a balance or miss a payment

Like any credit card, the American Express Uber Card charges interest if you do not pay your full balance by the due date. The interest rate (called the APR) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. American Express will show you the APR range before you open the account, but your exact rate depends on their review of your application.

If you miss a payment, American Express will charge a late fee and report the missed payment to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score. If you fall behind by 30 days or more, the account may be closed and sent to collections. You should pay at least the minimum amount due by the due date shown on your bill to avoid these consequences.

Comparing this card to other Uber payment options

You can pay for Uber rides and Uber Eats with any credit card, debit card, or payment method linked to your account. The American Express Uber Card offers higher cash back (4%) than most other cards offer on ride-sharing, but only if you are approved for the card and carry it with you.

If you do not want to open a new credit card, you can use an existing rewards card or a debit card instead. You will earn whatever rewards that card offers, which may be less than 4% but requires no new account. Some people use the Amex Uber Card for Uber purchases and a different card for other spending to maximize rewards on each category.

What to do if you have questions about your account or rewards

American Express customer service is available by phone, email, and through the American Express website. You can log into your account online to see your current rewards balance, recent transactions, and billing information. If you notice a transaction you did not make, you can dispute it through your account or by calling the number on the back of your card.

If you want to close the account, you can do so by calling American Express or through your online account. Closing the account does not affect rewards you have already earned, but you will lose access to the card's benefits going forward. Any remaining balance must still be paid in full.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the card for Uber to keep the account open?

No. American Express will not close your account if you stop using it for Uber purchases. However, if you do not use the card at all for an extended period, American Express may close it due to inactivity. You can keep the card active by using it occasionally for any purchase.

What if I am denied for the card?

If American Express denies your application, you can ask why and may be able to reapply after improving your credit score or credit history. You can also use a different payment method for Uber in the meantime. Some people are approved after waiting six months to a year and building better credit.

Can I transfer my rewards to airline miles or hotel points?

The American Express Uber Card earns cash back, not points. Cash back typically cannot be transferred to airline or hotel programs. However, you can use the cash back as a statement credit toward your bill, which is the most direct way to use the rewards.

Does the card work outside the United States?

Yes, American Express cards work internationally, but you will be charged a foreign transaction fee (usually 2% to 3%) when you use the card outside the U.S. The 4% cash back on Uber still applies, but the foreign fee reduces your net reward. Check your card terms for the exact fee before traveling.

What if my card is lost or stolen?

Contact American Express immediately by calling the number on your statement or through your online account. American Express will cancel the card and send you a replacement. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report the card missing promptly, though you may have a small dispute window to report unauthorized transactions.